In a game where no Timberwolf scored more than 15 points and collectively shot 43% from the field, Minnesota routed the Orlando Magic with second efforts that stymied any attempts to close the gap. From the start, the Wolves were determined to pester the Magic. They forced turnovers, gang rebounded, and looked to pass the ball to teammates in transition. It was so impressive even older brothers were doling out compliments to their younger siblings.
Through two games, the Timberwolves showed that, make or miss, they are playing for each other. If one part of a player’s game isn’t working, they redouble their efforts on defense, rebounding or looking to pass. Despite their opponent’s rough and sometimes flagrant attempts to unsettle them, they kept their cool.
Speaking of the Orlando Magic. They boast a big, talented, and brutish team that lopes toward the basket with dribble penetration and some crafty pivots when they can get a one-on-one matchup. When they do kick it out for a three-point shot, prayers fill the Kia Center that the shot variance gods are in their favor.
Tonight, they were not.
Goldfish Mentality
In the midst of the first half, the Magic attempted to close the gap. Paolo Banchero hit a number of free throw line turn-around jumpers and chewed away at the Wolves lead. No Minnesota player hung their head for a moment. The inbounders quickly took the ball out of the net to go the other way, giving the Magic less time to breath, less time to set their defense, and less time to feel a sense of confidence grow.
The roiling sea of moodiness the Wolves navigated last year has calmed and it is reflective in their next play mentality. They play so fast that there is no option but to bring a constant energy. I don’t know if head coach Chris Finch got around to watching Ted Lasso, but Minnesota is playing with the ten second memory that allows them to brush off an opposing make.
In the fourth quarter, amidst a small surge from Orlando, the Wolves got creative. They beat the Magic’s full court press with a series of hit-ahead passes that created opportunities at the rim. Orlando soon gave up that approach.
If there is a thing that every Wolf always remembers, it is to celebrate any three-point make in front of the opposing bench.
Kuminga Up to the Challenge
Jonathan Kuminga has been given the most difficult defensive assignment in the past two games. In both, he has performed as well as any could have hoped. Despite Banchero injuring his ankle early in the third quarter, returning for a short stint before exiting for the night, Kuminga largely contained the All-Star when he was on the court. More than that, by taking the toughest challenge, he is allowing Jaden McDaniels to spread his wings more. While soaring to new heights, Slim is finding a few more rebounds a game. In the second game in a row against the bigger opponent, the Wolves ended the night with a +24 rebounding advantage.
Kuminga is feeling the full force of a team that believes in him and he is using it to make aggressive plays. In transition, Kuminga has been so forceful on the attack he was able to drive into Wendell Carter Jr., miss his shot, and get his own rebound as his drive sent WCJ reeling back into the basket stanchion. He connected with Ayo Dosunmu on a fast break and laid in a finger roll alley-oop.
Moments later he stole the ball and was fouled on his missed breakaway dunk attempt. Upset at the missed highlight, he slammed his fist against the stanchion. McDaniels was there right away to praise the steal and maybe to impart wisdom about punching inanimate objects.
Dos Unit
Led by Ayo Dosunmu, the Wolves bench ran rampant over any Magic player in front of them. Every bench player with double-digit minutes ended the game with a double-digit positive +/- numbers. Ayo, or Dos as he’s known by, filled up the stat sheet with a little bit of everything; 14 points, seven boards, nine assists, two stocks, and no turnovers. He was quick to run the break and brought the rest of the pack with him, getting the Wolves into early offense. The Magic closed out hard on Ayo on the perimeter, allowing him to drive into the paint, collapse the defense, and open up shooters. Again and again number 13 made the right play.
The rest of the bench followed that energy to extend the Wolves lead. Terrance Shannon Jr. hit above the break threes and drove with his usual panache, seeming to relish the Magic’s aggressive defense. After a rough game against two of the best bigs in the league, Joan Beringer found his place in the chaotic scrum under the basket. At the mere head fake of a shot, he quickly found someone to box out. He had one ferocious dunk and got a few more off of under the basket feeds and offensive rebounds (Seven!). Even Trey Lyles found ways to contribute on the glass, dishing out an assist to Rudy, and hitting a few threes of his own.
Ant Out of Rhythm
It wasn’t all good. After his 45-point explosion over Miami, Anthony Edwards’ shot appeared to abandon him. Attempt after attempt from outside clanked off the rim. When he tried to get to the basket, he met a well set wall of Magic players who nudged him off his spot and into a miss. He was at his worst when LaMelo Ball was off the court, falling back into old habits of iso-ball while his teammates sat waiting for a grenade should Ant’s attempt at finding his shot fail.
Edwards did find other ways to contribute, though. He snagged four steals and impressively outjumped WCJ. for a jump ball. As he chirped at the big man down the court, he buried a shot and scored again on the next possession. If there is a beef to be had on the court, then Ant will eat.
Free Points Left Behind
You got to make your free throws. The Wolves cannot afford to have a team free throw percentage worse than Rudy Gobert’s career average (63.3%). Minnesota left 13 free ones out to dry on 30 trips to the line. It’s a sign of respect for an opposing team to circle the matchup against you on the calendar. It’s a warning sign when fans circle the day after their team plays Minnesota for a free lunch courtesy of the Wolves missing both in the fourth.
Game Highlights
Next Up
The Timberwolves return home to Minnesota for their home opener. They take on their Neighbors to the North (technically south) in the Toronto Raptors. Catch the game on Sunday, October 25th at 6:00 PM CT on DAZN-MIN.
82-0.
